Die Behandlung eines Kranken mit Herzinsuffizienz erfordert stets die Anwendung einer Reihe verschiedener therapeutischer Masnahmen. Sie wird sich als besonders wirksam erweisen, wenn sie individuell erfolgt und nicht nur symptomatisch, sondern daruber hinaus moglichst auch kausal betrieben wird.

Therapie der Herzinsuffizienz

Pulmonary edema of noncardiac origin.

The causes of paroxysmal pulmonary edema are discussed. It is emphasized that, in the presence of left ventricular failure or mitral block, any increase of pulmonary flow may be followed by edema of the lungs. It is also stated that redistribution of the blood, secondary to systemic vasoconstriction, may be a factor. Pulmonary venoconstriction is another possible contributory cause. Two clinical syndromes are separated. In the first, increase of cardiac dynamics is present, and “relative” left ventricular failure may occur; in the second, decrease of cardiac dynamics is the rule, and shock may be easily precipitated. Treatment of pulmonary edema involves pharmacologic and physical means. The most effective are those which decrease venous return through central sedation, ganglion blocking effect, venous pooling, or bloodletting. The importance of oxygen and the part played by the foaming process are stressed. Defoaming agents effectively increase oxygen intake by decreasing surface tension and breaking bubbles and can be of help.

R Weyl

Papers

Alcohol inhalation in the treatment of acute pulmonary edema in the immediate postoperative period.